Defensive

Defensive is one of the three "postures" available to pets; the others are Assist and Passive.

A defensive pet will attack any mob that attacks it or attacks its master. This can be helpful for a hunter or a warlock character who is working solo, as the pet will immediately respond to any threat. It can be particularly useful if the opening attack from the mob stuns or otherwise incapacitates the character. It can sometimes be detrimental in an instance, where the pet may charge off in response to a ranged attack from a mob, possibly drawing adds into the fight.

In addition, a defensive pet will immediately attack any mob which the hunter attacks.

Note: A pet in Defensive mode will NOT attack a mob simply for aggroing on its master. The mob must hit (or attempt to hit) its master before the pet will attack, unless it is ordered to attack.